The Off Duty 50 What I Did On My Summer Vacation

It's easy to let summer pass in a blur and have nothing to look back on proudly come fall. To inspire you, we put on our novelists' hats and invented six suitably ambitious role models, from an intrepid foodie to a highly efficient world traveler.

I Finished a Jigsaw Marathon

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Finished a Jigsaw Marathon

"In July, I vowed to complete one 2,000-piece jigsaw a week as an app-free version of meditation. Being the design freak I am, I decided I needed a patchwork-style floor cushion—with its own pieced-together quality—to truly commune with the puzzle spread out on my coffee table.” —BerniceThis bright floor cushion elevates your energy and your bottom with 4 inches of stuffing. A handle lets you tote it outside for stargazing, then back inside to figure out which of the green puzzle pieces are tree and which are pond. Ursprunglig Striped Floor Cushion, $20, ikea-usa.com

I Made a Sequel to ‘The Shining’

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Made a Sequel to ‘The Shining’

"I’ve always been fascinated by that hedge maze in Stanley Kubrick’s movie. I mean, who trimmed that thing? Was it a full-time job? Did the poor guy suffer from repetitive stress injuries? My own yard’s hedgery is more modest, but I really got into trimming it this year.” —WillFor people who’d rather wow the neighbors with their garden than lie listlessly in a hammock, Craftsman just launched a new line of cordless yard tools; the swappable 60-volt batteries mean you don’t spew pollution as you trim. The star of the six-tool lineup is the self-propelled mower, which runs for 70 minutes per charge. The chain saw, weedwacker, and leaf blower all rely on brushless motors to maximize runtimes, and—like the beefy hedge trimmer pictured—feature comfortable rubberized grips. They will not, however, defend you adequately against ghosts from the 1920s. From $219, lowes.com

I Geeked Out in a Galaxy Not That Far Away

I Geeked Out in a Galaxy Not That Far Away

"I told the other parents at the kids’ school that we were headed to Disneyland’s new Star Wars extravaganza for the kids’ sake, but I don’t think they bought it. And all those photos on Facebook of me with my unsubtle C-3PO purse were probably a dead giveaway.” —DonnaAs of May 31, Jedi junkies and the people who lovingly oblige them, descended on California’s Disneyland to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a new 14-acre park-within-a-park that’s devoted to George Lucas’s intergalactic realm. You won’t find a single roller coaster here, but visitors can climb aboard a motion-simulated replica of the Millennium Falcon, build their own lightsaber (for $200), order a Fuzzy Tauntaun at Oga's Cantina or engage in a real-time role-playing game to save the galaxy. The same set up—with an identically imperiled galaxy—will open on Aug. 29 in Florida. Tickets from $104, disneyparks.com

I Tucuma-Buttered My Tummy

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Tucuma-Buttered My Tummy

"My self-care obsession reached new levels at the height of summer. Each night, after I put my daughter to bed, I began spending 40 minutes on foam-rolling sessions and rubbing oil all over myself and my Sphinx cats Apple and Moses. The oil’s scent calmed me down and it’s packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients I’d never heard of but sounded legit and delicious (tucuma butter, anyone?).” —JulietThe Costa Brazil wellness line from former Calvin Klein womenswear director Francisco Costa uses ingredients sourced from the Amazon rainforest. It might help you feel good about yourself in multiple ways: The Kaya Jungle Firming Oil promises deep moisturizing and comes wrapped in recyclable packaging. The juice-bar set will approve. $98, livecostabrazil.com

Your Design Role-Model: Bernice, 61

I Podcasted in Poplin

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Podcasted in Poplin

"I finally did it: I started a men’s fashion podcast. I downloaded the software, invested in a top-quality mic, and found a suitably impressive but not ‘trying too hard’ shirt to wear for my first recorded interview with a so-called shoe influencer. Only problem: He stared critically at my shoes the whole time.” —LeonBritish label Sunspel, which has been making textiles since 1860, partnered with Japanese illustrator Akira Sorimachi on a limited-edition line of clothing with a screen-printed design inspired by the notion of summer in Britain. This gentlemanly take on the Hawaiian shirt would let you hold your own against any variety of influencer. Sunspel & Akira Sorimachi, $175, Sunspel, 646-692-6500

I Rocked the Rock Face

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Rocked the Rock Face

"I vowed this summer that I’d make the leap from the climbing wall to Zion’s sickest multi-pitch ascents. It felt legit how much my fingers bled, probably way more than they’re supposed to, but my footwork was strong. These shoes helped a lot.” —WillBlack Diamond’s new Zone rock climbing shoe marries comfort with an aggressive, vertical-hungry design. A good thing, because your feet will be busy, using the shoe’s proprietary molded-rubber soles to hook, cling and generally glue you to overhangs and toe-size ledges. You’ll really feel the holds as you climb up and up, notching a natural high—and with no foot bleeding to speak of. $140, blackdiamondequipment.com

I Discovered God Is in the Foxtails

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Discovered God Is in the Foxtails

"You know, I’ve always secretly preferred those ugly dog contests to the Westminster Dog Show. More quirk, less pretension. This summer, I realized I feel the same way about flowers and took to rescuing so-called weeds—Queen Anne’s lace, corn flowers, grasses—and displaying them in vases as eccentrically imperfect as they are.” —BerniceWhen you blow molten glass into a cast, it predictably produces fairly uniform pieces. But uniform can be as formulaic and boring as mail-order flowers. For the New Craftsmen’s expressive Glass Meadow collection, London-based artist Jochen Holz used free-blown borosilicate glass to create truly idiosyncratic shapes. From $140 for 3-inch vase, thenewcraftsmen.com

I Took a Month Off Drinking in Pursuit of Wellness

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Took a Month Off Drinking in Pursuit of Wellness

"Which of course meant doubling down on the cocktail nibbles. One evening my neighbor Jeremy, consummate host that he is, busted out this sausage with a decidedly drinky flavor. I just about wept with gratitude.” —OscarThis sausage is not called Gin and Juice for nothing. At Smoking Goose, an Indianapolis purveyor of cured and smoked meats, owner Chris Eley mixes crushed juniper, the piney berry that gives gin its kick, into ground lamb (plus a bit of pork for texture); orange peel provides the juicy quality. After slow curing and smoking, the sausage delivers an intoxicating interplay of bright and sultry notes. Mr. Eley recommends skewering a cube as—what else?—a cocktail garnish. $18, mouth.com

I Went Artisanal in Japan

VAWAA

I Went Artisanal in Japan

"I’ve taken all the best summer classes—at Oxford (Chaucer), Harvard (Proust) and Baruch (tax updates, honey!). This year, it was printmaking with Takuma and Aiko in Japan.” —DonnaBragging rights are included when you Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA), an experience-focused getaway that allows you to learn new skills from local artisans. Among the varied offerings: a four-day class in the countryside near Kyoto with Takuma and Aiko Noda (left), masters at creating karakami, the traditional decorative paper used for screens and wallpaper. From $835; $230 for accommodation. vawaa.com

I Zipped Down to Baja for a Bite—and Kept Going

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Zipped Down to Baja for a Bite—and Kept Going

"One boring Saturday in early August, I got a fierce urge for really authentic fish tacos, so I cruised down the coast on my new electric motorcycle. You could say I’m obsessed with it. While the battery charged up in Ensenada, I downed way too many tacos. Incredible. But I was still bored, so I just kept driving south.” —WillWith a range of up to 200 miles, Zero’s SR/F is a standout among electric motorcycles. You’ll need 1.5 hours to fill the battery at a roadside quick-charge station, or just over 4 hours to top it off using a standard 220-volt wall plug. You’ll probably consider the wait worth it, however: The 110-horsepower motor delivers massive, immediate torque and top speeds of more than 120 mph with barely any noise from its motor. Starting at $18,995, zeromotorcycles.com

I Inadvertently Got a Makeover in India

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Inadvertently Got a Makeover in India

"By the time Labor Day rolled around, I was desperate for a vacation from my vacation and Jaipur beckoned. My daughter, Juniper, became entranced by traditional block-printing and now half the stuff we own is bright and vaguely bohemian, but I guess I’m OK with that?” —JulietSZ Blockprints, a Jaipur- and London-based design company, works with a family-run artisanal block printer to make eye-catching pieces like this Disco Pant. With its au courant high-waisted cut, the summer trouser is a welcome departure from drab jeans. As an added bonus: 10% of the company’s profits go to organizations that empower girls and women in India. $127, szblockprints.com

I Exuded Youth

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Exuded Youth

"When a group text turned into a weepie body-image support group, my athletic friend Clyde had the brilliant idea for us all to take up squash. Now, instead of Sunday brunches you’ll find us on the courts, grunting like a gang of floppy Federers. Aging is brutal, but I’m convinced the new SeaVees I wear to and from the club make me look 23 max.” —LeonThese limited-edition lace-ups are a part of a collaboration between two iconic brands: California-based brand SeaVees and Hoffman California Fabrics, purveyor of the Black Star Orchid Hawaiian print which anyone who lived through the 1980s will recognize. The shoes make you appear fitter than you are. Or almost. $88, seavees.com

I Mastered The Zen of Pie

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal

I Mastered The Zen of Pie

"Who knew shaping dough could be so centering? This ridiculously good-looking rolling pin was such a pleasure to handle, I did it for the ritual alone. (OK, fine, the pies were an incentive, too.)” —OscarThese heirloom-quality rolling pins from Tomnuk Design in Edmonton, Alberta, are crafted from maple and walnut woods that are harvested using Forest Stewardship Council-certified sustainable methods. The traditional shape—thick in the middle with slender handles—makes it a classic, while the static design (sans spinning dowel) gives bakers considerably more control. $124, nalatanalata.com

What I Streamed This Summer

What I Streamed This Summer

5 movies with 'summer' in the title that you won’t want to miss—and 5 to avoid

REQUIRED VIEWING:1. ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ (1958): Paul Newman’s turn as sweaty sharecropper Ben Quick won Best Actor at Cannes.
2. ‘The Endless Summer’(1966): This love letter to surfing —basically a Beach Boys album come to life—is a timeless documentary.
3. ‘Wet Hot American Summer’(2001): Critics loathed it, but this absurdist sleepaway comedy became a cult classic, especially for millennials.
4. ‘(500) Days of Summer ’ (2009): Bit of a cheat—Summer is a character’s name—but this smart tale of unrequited love belongs on this list.
5. ‘The Kings of Summer’ (2013): Boys become men (kind of) when they build a house in the woods and live off the land in this adventurous romp.
UNINSPIRED VIEWING:1. ‘Corvette Summer’ (1978): Even Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) can’t keep this disastrous road-trip flick on course.
2. ‘One Crazy Summer’ (1986): A lovesick rhino, a party-stomping Godzilla, dogface kids, John Cusack—the title really says it all.
3. ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997): Evil-fisherman flick with a great hook (literally), but its title is more memorable than any scene.
4. ‘Summer Catch’ (2001): The mostly shirtless cast is scorching hot! But its flirty baseball plot is as bush league as Freddie Prinze Jr.’s pitching.
5. ‘The Last Summer’ (2019): Implausibly attractive teens place undue significance on adulting in the weeks before college—still act like children.

I Hung Out With 990-Pound Mammals in the Arctic

Dennis Fast

I Hung Out With 990-Pound Mammals in the Arctic

"Thanks to David Attenborough, I knew polar bears have the keenest sense of smell of any mammal, but I was so not prepared to see the wiggles of their black nostrils up close—or at least through my binoculars. It’s eerie when a bear looks right at you.” —DonnaFly up to Canada’s subarctic, transfer by helicopter to the shores of Hudson Bay, and explore polar bear country on foot (and occasionally via “tundra buggy”). With well-seasoned guides, get as close as some 330 feet to the massive creatures. Fainter of heart can ogle from behind picture windows of the antler-festooned lodge which serves as HQ in this isolated part of Manitoba. Moose, wolverine, snowy owls and wolves may also stop by. Six day trips, $13,800, entreedestinations.com

Your Gear Role-Model: Will, 38

I Made a Summer Romance Last Just Long Enough

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Made a Summer Romance Last Just Long Enough

"I wasn’t sure my boyfriend and I were forever, but I was determined we’d make it until August. That’s when his buddy Sanjay was getting married. In Sicily. By the end of June, I’d already downloaded all of Elena Ferrante’s books and found the perfect sun hat.” —JulietThis stealthily practical raffia topper was basically built to travel: With its relatively narrow four-inch brim it won’t hog an entire side of your suitcase, and it’s uncrushable. It comes by its worldliness naturally. Its designer, Lola Ehrlich of Brooklyn-based studio Lola Hats, was born in Holland and grew up in Paris before moving to New York. $250, lolahats.com

I Designed My own Dive-in Theater

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Designed My own Dive-in Theater

"Rather than spend the evening in a freezing movie house, I toted my wireless projector outside and turned my pool into a swim-up theater. We floated around under the stars, drinking rum and shouting out our favorite lines during a double-feature of ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘Jaws.’ ‘AMITY, AS YOU KNOW, MEANS FRIENDSHIP!’ ” —WillWhy would anyone wear a wool turtleneck in an empty cineplex when he or she could stream favorite summer flicks at home, in way-more-than-adequately-sharp HD resolution? The portable Epson Home Cinema 2150 3LCD projects a picture with theater-quality color, composition and contrast all the way across the deep end as you float in the shallows. $900, epson.com

I Defied the Bikini Trend

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Defied the Bikini Trend

"Though I rigorously peddled at SoulCycle through the cold months to prepare for lazy hangs at the East Hampton house, everyone knows that only clueless Instagram microinfluencers like my younger sister Ramona wear bikinis. So I rocked this less-braggy one-piece all through July. By the pool, I hate-scrolled through my sister’s feed in total self-satisfaction.” —JulietIf you’re more about understated style than Keeping Up With the Anybodys, Matteau’s square-neck one-piece (with decent derrière coverage) has your number. Hand-wash in cold water with mild soap—a task probably best not left to your baby sister. $300, matteau-store.com

I Finally Tasted Mead—and Liked It

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Finally Tasted Mead—and Liked It

"I found my spirit animal. It turned out to be a bee. Up until this summer, I thought honey wine was a pretty revolting concept, something best reserved for Renaissance Faires. Then I tried these wonderfully dry modern-day meads and I couldn’t stop ‘buzzing’ about them. (Groan.)” —OscarEnlightenment Wines Meadery is taking the sting out of the stereotypes around the honey-based beverage. The Brooklyn producer uses foraged herbs and locally sourced fruit in bottlings such as Saturnalia, a dry apple mead infused with lemon verbena, and Floralia, aromatic and herbaceous, made with juniper, lavender and marjoram. From $25, enlightenmentwines.com

I Packed One Pair of Shoes for an Entire Trip

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Packed One Pair of Shoes for an Entire Trip

"‘Il dolce far niente’ is my husband’s new catch phrase and I agree: It’s OK to be supremely lazy now and then but you shouldn’t look it.” —DonnaTranslated as “the sweetness of doing nothing,” that idea finds a foothold in this season’s collaboration between Birkenstock and Hotel Il Pellicano, the 5-star seaside retreat in Porto Ercole, Italy. The sandals’ low-key lines and sturdy straps look chic in sun-bleached beige raffia, lustrous red satin or natty navy leather. Wear them tromping around village markets and then on to a candlelit dinner on the terrace. $460, matchesfashion.com

I Turned Surf Failure Into Art

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Turned Surf Failure Into Art

"Growing up, I wanted to be a surfer chick like Gidget, but I didn’t get around to it until my midlife crisis finally kicked in this summer. I bought a gorgeous board, but you can’t buy a decent sense of balance. So I hung it over my fireplace where it’s getting much more attention.” —BerniceThe Black Classic Mud Cloth Shortboard from textile design firm St. Frank and surfer/board-shaper Gary Linden is a piece of admirable artwork, whether you choose to ride it or just hang it on the living room wall at your Montauk beach house. It was inspired by a traditional West African textile that was originally created with fermented mud and used by hunters for camouflage. Anyone hunting the next big swell set can take the pattern with them on 6 feet of shimmering polished fiberglass. Gary Linden & St. Frank Surfboard Collaboration, $1,395, stfrank.com

Your Women's Fashion Role-Model: Juliet, 28

I Aced My College Reunion

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Aced My College Reunion

"For my 15th reunion, I dressed to impress, in waitlist-only Nikes I’d saved in their box and a jacket that looks casual but wasn’t a wrinkled mess by the after-after-party. This woman I used to hit on—very unsuccessfully—said she was ‘pleased to see that I’d retired’ the plastic shower slides and trucker hat I wore back in college, which I think was a backhanded compliment.” —LeonThis flat-pocketed work jacket from Arpenteur & C’H’C’M’ comes in elastane-enhanced stretch cotton twill engineered to retain its shape (even if you’ve let yours go a little bit). $335, chcmshop.com

I Walked Across the Whole of England

Country Walkers

I Walked Across the Whole of England

"We actually bought Harris Tweed hats for this trip, thinking we’d look plausibly British heading down the old foot paths. But I kept giving in to my American urge to power walk. So that didn’t quite work.” —DonnaTour company Country Walkers offers a self-guided itinerary that crosses northern England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. It covers about 8 miles a day, allowing time to “stand and stare,” as Alfred Wainwright put it in his 1973 book “A Coast to Coast Walk,” which inspired the route. You’ll find plenty to stare at, from ancient cairns to crags, streams and blankets of heather. The company drives your luggage to the inns and country manses you stay in. From $4,098, countrywalkers.com

I Accessorized Elegantly Even After a Bee Sting

Country Walkers

I Accessorized Elegantly Even After a Bee Sting

"After an unfortunate bee sting on Memorial Day, my BFFs all leapt into action. Didi sent links about bee-venom therapy and Francine came by with magazines, but the best pick-me-up was a posh charm necklace from Adam that includes the kind of perfect, tiny shells you never find on the beach.” —JulietCashmere label Lingua Franca teamed up with jewelry designer Yasmina Benazzou’s brand Haute Victoire to create this haute-beachy charmer, part of the “Les Charmantes Summer Necklace” collection. While the central charm depicts Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and craftsmanship, the 14 surrounding trinkets are finds from the deep sea, including pearls, shells and coral. The piece can elevate even a temporary invalid’s sweatshirt and is soothing enough to relieve any sting. $2,250, linguafranca.nyc

I Paid Steaks Proper Respect

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Paid Steaks Proper Respect

"Lousy knives are the worst. I’ve grilled too many gorgeous cuts of beef only to see them mauled at the table with our hand-me-down Oneida. So this summer, I finally laid out for steak knives equal to the task and our barbecues got way more Benihana.” —Oscar
These G-Fusion steak knives from Wyoming-based New West KnifeWorks glide through rib-eye steaks as if they’re butter. The serrated edge also stays sharp for far longer than a straight blade would. The striking handles—hewed from a durable composite called G10 in a range of colors—do their part to imbue the serving of steak with a sense of ceremony. $799 for six knives, newwestknifeworks.com

I Apprehended a Thief Among My Dinner Guests

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Apprehended a Thief Among My Dinner Guests

"I knew something was up when Jocelyn offered to do the dishes. Sure enough, she tried to slip some of the tableware into her virtuous NPR tote. It was a little awkward confronting her but I’ll do anything for these plates.” —OscarArtist Maria Qamar is known for her colorful illustrations that speak to her South Asian experience—overbearing parents, dramatic aunties, burnt rotis and the like. Bring her sense of humor to the table with this fun quartet of plates that mingle cheerful floral patterns with hilariously deadpan phrases such as “I poisoned the pakoras” and “This chutney is cursed.” $125 for a set of four, hatecopy.com

Lazy, Hazy Virtuosos

Lazy, Hazy Virtuosos

What 10 celebrated folks accomplished over the course of a summer

Most people spend the year’s hottest season working on their tans. These 10 talented individuals achieved famous feats.George Lucas somehow managed to film “American Graffiti” during the summer of 1972, despite the drunken antics of Harrison Ford and his fellow actors, who did things like tipsily compete to climb Holiday Inn signs between takes.
Beethoven composed his soothing “Moonlight Sonata” in the summer of 1801. He had begun to complain of tinnitus, an early sign of his hearing loss.
Steffi Graf finished off tennis’s first (and still only) Golden Slam in 1988 when she added a win at the Seoul Summer Olympics to her four major tourney victories.
Jean-Francois Gravelet became the first to tightrope walk across Niagara Falls in the summer of 1859, narrowly avoiding becoming the inventor of the waterslide.
Oscar Wilde penned “The Importance of Being Earnest” in the summer of 1894. George Bernard Shaw dubbed it “extremely funny.” Also: “heartless.
Louis Armstrong recorded “West End Blues,” a milestone that redefined jazz, in the summer of 1928. His rapid-fire opening trumpet solo is considered impossible to replicate (without blowing out a lung).
Mary Shelley conceived “Frankenstein” during a rainy summer holiday in 1816 when Lord Byron suggested his friends make up ghost stories to pass the time.
Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 56 straight games in the summer of 1941. No one’s come within 10 games of his record.
Marie Curie published the discovery of the element polonium with her husband Pierre in July of 1898. She’s the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two sciences.
The Founding Fathers wrote the U.S. Constitution in the sweltering summer of 1787—with all the doors and windows of the hall nailed shut.
—Katie Goldin

I Jet-Setted Like Jackie

Belmond Hotel Caruso (car)

I Jet-Setted Like Jackie

"I somehow convinced my driver Sergio to stop barreling down the Amalfi Coast long enough to let me pick up some first-lady-worthy souvenirs.” —DonnaIn the summer of 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy took a trip to Ravello, Italy, zipping around town in a Fiat convertible. To fondly recall the First Lady, the Belmond Hotel Caruso, an 11th-century palazzo perched vertiginously above the Tyrrhenian Sea, offers a seven-hour tour in a vintage Fiat 500 Jolly Ghia with a driver as your guide. Explore a hidden beach or the indisputably charming fishing village of Praiano and impulsively order six pairs of capris (in white, of course) at La Parisienne in Umberto as Jackie purportedly did long ago. Around $790 for two. belmond.com

I Upgraded My Time Management

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Upgraded My Time Management

"So this summer was all about getting my vitamin startup going. I had an appointment to hit up an old B-school mentor for funding, but I was deep-scrolling through my LinkedIn feed and...missed it. Time for a real watch. You only get one friends and family round when you’re after investors.” —LeonBamford Watch Department’s Mayfair Sport green rubber watch was originally designed as a temporary replacement for customers awaiting repairs. The bright, kicky model is now available to anyone who wants to be more conscious of time, but still look like a cool, up-and-coming entrepreneur. $420, mrporter.com

I Took a Gnarly Spill. Wanna See?

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Took a Gnarly Spill. Wanna See?

"My most idiotic friend and I attached action cams to our bikes before heading off road near Durango, hoping to snag primo scenic footage. He did fine, but what I mainly captured was 4K-quality shots of me tumbling downhill. I survived, but the video looks better than the scars.” —WillThe most innovative feature of DJI’s Osmo Action camera is a front-facing screen, which hints at the truth about how we film today: We’re mostly shooting ourselves. Electronic stabilization keeps the image fixed when the cam is mounted to a bike’s handlebars or the nose of a surfboard, resulting in ultrasharp, ultrasmooth 4k video. The camera is also waterproof to 36 feet and responds to your voice. $349, dji.com

Your Food Role-Model: Oscar, 52

I Was the Host With the Most

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Was the Host With the Most

"What says festive better than oysters and caviar—together? This spread impressed the socks off our barbecue guests. But I gave them all Pabst Blue Ribbon so it didn’t seem too over-the-top.” —OscarA partnership between Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury, Mass., and Sterling Caviar Farm in Elverta, Calif., has produced a pretty sweet package: 2 dozen lush, briny bivalves plus 30 ounces of the incomparably complex roe of white sturgeon, delivered on ice. Like Island Creek’s oysters, Sterling’s caviar is raised to high standards of sustainability—because anyone who’s tasted them would want to make sure they’re available for generations to come. $140, islandcreekoysters.com

I Invested in Heirloom Corn Holders

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Invested in Heirloom Corn Holders

"You might think I was crazy to spend $48 a pair on eight pairs of...corncob holders. And you’re right: $400 for corncob holders is definitely crazy, but I fell in love with how beautiful they were. And my children are already fighting over who’s going to inherit them. Which is flattering, if morbid.” —BerniceFashioned in walnut or cherry wood and finished with hand-rubbed oil, these tiny tools from Edgewood Made can elegantly deal with buttery ears of corn or serve tidbits on a cheeseboard. The handles are double-riveted with brass, ensuring that these handsomely designed utensils last a lifetime, or two. $48 per pair, preservationfinegoods.com

I Ignored Childhood Trauma

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Ignored Childhood Trauma

"I never learned to swim. My childhood instructor was an ex-Navy SEAL whose face turned magenta when he screamed at us, which was always. So I conveniently came down with ‘colds’ on Thursdays. This year, I bought a swimsuit so sporty that no one would guess I can’t even do an old-lady sidestroke.” —LeonThese trunks, slapped with important-looking appliqué patches, suggest the Boy Scouts by way of the Beach Boys. Which is to say: They’re outdoorsy but radiate good vibrations. They come from fashion designer Greg Lauren (yes, that would be the revered Ralph’s nephew) and iconic surf brand Birdwell. The suit is 95% nylon and dry-clean-only. Maybe not for poolside purists, but certainly handsome enough to fake it ’til you make it. Greg Lauren & Birdwell Shorts, $375, greglauren.com

I Reclaimed My Teenage Bookworm Persona

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Reclaimed My Teenage Bookworm Persona

"I’d lost so many hours tracking the craziness of politics on my phone that I hadn’t picked up a novel in months. Then I found a happy place at the end of our dock with my old, slightly tear-stained copy of ‘I Capture the Castle’ and some Pinot Grigio.” —BerniceWith its fiber-cement insert (washed to look like stone), Pottery Barn’s Woven Wine Cooler’s got enough ballast to keep your wine untoppled by discourteous boat wakes (unless they’re really discourteous) but is still light enough to cart around. And its chic, open-netted abaca sleeve is as casual as a shore-side Pinot session at 3 p.m. $60, potterybarn.com

Road Trips Worth Name Dropping

Road Trips Worth Name Dropping

Scenic routes with remarkable monikers

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey, right? When friends and co-workers ask what you did this summer, crow about the colorful names of these routes designated as scenic byways—the views will make you never want to reach the end. For a full list and travel tips, see furkot.comBilly the Kid Trail, N.M.: Hankering to experience the Wild West as William H. Bonney did when he and his gang rode against the Murphy boys? Saddle up the rental car and head to this scenic drive named for Mr. Kid, as he’s more familiarly known.
The Real French Connection, La.: Celebrating Gallic influence on the region (not, alas, the 1971 Gene Hackman film), this route takes you by sites dedicated to Cajun history and culture—Chretien Point Plantation, the Beau Cajun Art Gallery and Acadian Village.
Lunar Crater Back Country Byway, Nev.: Volcanic fields and vestiges of lava flows create a landscape that resembles the moon to a sufficient degree that real astronauts once trained along this route (an excellent talking point when you’re back at the office). The 430-foot-deep Lunar Crater is surrounded by 20 smaller ones.
Million Dollar View Scenic Byway, Maine: This 8-mile stretch of Maine’s Rte 1 features valuable (if not “million bucks” valuable) glimpses of Peekaboo Mountain, the Chiputneticook Lakes chain, and abundant wildlife ranging from loons to bear cubs.
Rim of the World, Calif.: Zip-lining, hiking and swimming are on tap along these 107 miles through Southern California’s San Bernardino National Forest. You’ll want to overnight in Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear.
Shooting Star Wildflower and Historic Route Scenic Byway, Minn.: Along its 32-mile tour, this byway, named for the wildflowers that flank it, connects a string of small historic towns that are well worth a stop.
Trail of the Mountain Spirits, N.M.: This 93-mile run (an endurance test in the annual Tour of the Gila bike race) includes the ancient Gila Cliff Dwellings (which you’ll want to explore) as it zigzags across the Continental Divide.
—Margot Dougherty

I Garden-Partied Like Gatsby

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Garden-Partied Like Gatsby

"Even though our city ‘garden’ is 16-foot square—and weedier than Janet’s next door—we gave it a quick, quasi-millionaire makeover by tossing these nets of lights over our bushes. Even snobby Janet crashed.” —BerniceFor instant glamour without the hassles of live current, Pottery Barn’s webs of LED twinkle lights can easily be “installed” hours before a backyard bash. Just drape them over hydrangeas, hedges, even fences. Each net is dotted with 200 bulbs, and one pair of batteries (included) can last up to 70 hours, in case your event gets truly Gatsby-level debauched. Net String Lights, $75 per net, potterybarn.com

I Got My First Yacht... Briefly

Boatsetter

I Got My First Yacht... Briefly

"In lieu of our annual July 4th bonfire, the guys and I booked a small yacht and headed out to Catalina for the day. After John took his turn at the wheel, he swore he saw two dolphins swimming off the bow, but he dropped his phone overboard before he got a shot.” —WillSailing a catamaran into the sunset sounds glamorous—like a Bond film before the credits roll. But actually owning a boat can be a drain of time and money. That’s where Boatsetter, the Airbnb of seaworthy vessels, comes in. Book someone else’s ship for sailing, fishing or simply for the near-miss photo ops. From $300 to $15,000 per day, boatsetter.com

I Exercised My Right to Indulge

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Exercised My Right to Indulge

"For two weeks in July, I swam so much everyday I convinced myself I ‘deserved’ a daily chocolate milkshake, complete with elegant glass straw. My calorie-burning calculations must have been off, though: I gained 8 pounds.” —BerniceWhether frozen or on the rocks, drinks gain a frisson of fun as you inhale them through the bends of these cheerily colored straws. They’re made of borosilicate glass, which resists cracking even in the face of extreme temperature shifts—ice-cream-related or not. Sip Glass Straws, $25 for pack of 6, hay.com

Your Travel Role-Model: Donna, 42

I Resolved My Eco Side With My Need for Chic

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Resolved My Eco Side With My Need for Chic

"I’d rather be seen in public holding a lurid romance novel than a plastic bag. I took this tote to the market and browsed the microgreens feeling like a back-to-the-land Italian princess.” —JulietThe stripes on Loro Piana’s Suitcase Stripe Tote were inspired by the canvas cases that sales reps from the textile house used from the 1970s to the ’90s to deliver swatches to clients. Its water-repellent finish and handy pouches designated “wet,” “dry” and “sun” ensure that you’ll have spots to store your damp items and sunscreen (chemical-free, naturally) while you reup your supply of organic okra. $1,875, loropiana.com

I Crushed the Rapids—Then Some Suds

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Crushed the Rapids—Then Some Suds

"After going a dozen rounds with Colorado’s Class IV waters, we docked our rafts and cracked open a few of the state’s finest craft brews. The cans were a bit shaken by the rough ride—but so was my friend Bobby. It was kind of obvious by the way he went at the beer. And his wobbly hands, too.” —WillThe challenge of keeping food and drink refreshingly ice-cold in the great outdoors is easily met by the LifeProof backpack cooler. Wide, padded straps make hauling 24 of your favorite beverages feel like a walk in a national park, while thick, durable insulation and a bonus ice pack keep things glacial for up to 48 hours. If you have friends with a particularly pressing need to take the edge off, use the pack’s built-in bottle opener to crack ’em a cold one fast. $70, lifeproof.com

I Flirted With a Fruitarian Lifestyle

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Flirted With a Fruitarian Lifestyle

"Once August really got its swelter on, I completely lost the will to cook. But I couldn’t pass up all the incredible fruit at the farmers market either. So I settled, sensibly, on a steady diet of fruity homemade ice cream.” —OscarFor Kitty Travers, the pastry chef behind London’s La Grotta Ices, freezing is a magical means of transformation. “My aim is to create ice cream with an unreal texture made of real ingredients,” she said. In her book “La Grotta Ice Creams & Sorbets,” (Clarkson Potter) she offers 75 recipes, many of which harness the intensity of peak-season fruits in beguiling combinations, from nectarine-tarragon to tomato-white peach. $25, indiebound.org

Your Men's Fashion Role Model: Leon, 35

I Introduced My Nephew to Indian Food...In the Easiest Way Possible

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Introduced My Nephew to Indian Food...In the Easiest Way Possible

"My nephew Hugo was shipped off to one of those coding camps all the aspirational parents are insisting on. I was sure he’d get scurvy. So I sent a care package of heat-and-eat meals made from real, healthy ingredients. But now he claims he’d rather have those than my cooking.” —OscarHomemade Indian food is often the most delicious because of its simplicity, and Buttermilk Co. makes cooking Indian food at home even simpler. Founder Mitra Raman created preservative-free refrigerated packets; you just add water and heat them up. The nourishing, vegetarian options include spiced dal ladled over steaming basmati, plates of soft potatoes cooked with fenugreek, and a riff on khichdi that swaps out the usual rice and lentils for semolina flour and curry leaves—all easy enough for a homesick tween to prepare. From $5, thebuttermilkco.com

I Somehow Kept a Toddler Happy

Illustration by Steve Scott

I Somehow Kept a Toddler Happy

I’m a patience-challenged grandma, but this toy turns into a rocker without its wheels so, during the winter, I parked it next to my treadmill and let my easily bored granddaughter ‘race’ in place. In summer, I popped on the wheels so that we could both feel the wind in our hair during my daily power walk.” —BerniceThe Petite Red Motorcycle, designed by French wooden-toy maker Chou du Volant, seamlessly shifts through four configurations, from a stationary seat to a rocker to a push toy and finally to a ride-on vehicle, keeping pace as a toddler gains mobility. It’s sure to delight 1- to 3-year-olds, long before you have to worry about them texting behind the wheel. $395, ateliernovo.com

I Dressed Correctly for a Pilgrimage

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Dressed Correctly for a Pilgrimage

"I brought this cardigan to Mexico City for Didi’s bachelorette party. Frida Kahlo is my
#1 style icon and the top’s bright colors felt muy authentic when we visited Frida’s house. It was
certainly more appropriate than the bandage dress Francine turned up in for our Saturday
night dinner in Condesa.” —JulietTory Burch’s latest collection was actually inspired by another iconic artist: Georgia O’Keefe, and that painter’s bold, earthy take on the American Southwest. Throw this embroidered sweater coat over your outfit and you’ll instantly elevate your art-goddess cred, even if the dramatic winds buffeting you are coming from the office air-conditioning vent. $448, toryburch.com

I Made My Summer House More Football-Friendly

Illustration by STEVE SCOTT

I Made My Summer House More Football-Friendly

"When my grandson’s perfect spiral shattered our crystal chandelier (my husband couldn’t suppress his grandfatherly pride), I replaced it with this more durable fixture. Some might say wicker is better-suited for outside. My answer to that is, ‘So are footballs.’” —BerniceSuspended from a wrought iron chain, this light from Currey & Company is woven from natural split Arurog, a kind of rugged wicker. With a wingspan of about four-and-a-half feet it has an attractive vibe: substantial, earthy and relatively resistant to abuse. Basket Oval Chandelier, $1,788, shopcandelabra.com

I Found a Dress for My Artistic Daughter

F. Martin Ramin/The Wall Street Journal, Styling by Anne Cardenas

I Found a Dress for My Artistic Daughter

"Obviously I’m biased, but my toddler Juniper is like the de Kooning of finger-painting. You can’t outfit someone from the action school of painting in a $400 Bonpoint floral dress, though. This one was cheap, cute and already looked splotched.” —JulietOnline retailer Maisonette is known for its hard-to-find, unique children’s fashion, the sort you won’t find at a corner boutique. They now have a house label, Maisonette Essentials, which features pretty basics at surprisingly reasonable prices. This Empire-waist knit dress comes in an exclusive print from Hudson Valley, N.Y.-based illustrator Emily Isabella that will camouflage most any colorful surprise. $34, maisonette.com